Federal officer fires weapon in altercation at pro-Israel rally

A federal officer attempting to break up an altercation during a pro-Israel demonstration Sunday at the federal building in Westwood fired a single shot but no one was harmed, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said.

The rally, which drew some 500 people, was breaking up about 5:45 p.m. when Israel supporters and pro-Palestinian protesters began to clash, said sheriff's Deputy Juanita Navarro.

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An officer with the Department of Homeland Security sought to intervene and fired his weapon once, Navarro said.

Sunday's rally followed a similar one staged Saturday in support of Palestinians.

Pro-Palestinian protesters critical of Israel's bombing of targets in the Gaza Strip arrived at Sunday's rally, and some in the crowds began yelling at each other, authorities said.